Best Middle Schools
in Jacksonville, Florida
We ranked the 25 middle schools in Jacksonville with real test data. The top 25 scored between 3.0 and 7.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Florida education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Jacksonville for 2026 are Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development S (7.9/10), James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School (7.6/10), and Lavilla School of the Arts (7.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 25 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Jacksonville?
Every middle school in Jacksonville is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development S
Jacksonville, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School
Jacksonville, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Lavilla School of the Arts
Jacksonville, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Jacksonville's middle school landscape spans 24 ranked schools, with performance concentrated around an average composite score of 5.3/10. Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development School leads the metro at 7.0/10 — the only school in Jacksonville to crack the 7-point threshold, placing it in rare company across the entire ranked pool. The schools just below that mark are worth a close look. James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School (6.6), Jean Ribault Middle School (6.3), and Fort Caroline Middle School (6.2) round out a competitive tier of college-preparatory and traditional options. The table below lets you sort by score, location, and other key metrics to find the right fit. With most schools clustering near the metro average, the gap between the top performer and the middle of the pack is meaningful — making it worth comparing your options carefully before deciding.
Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development S
James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School
Lavilla School of the Arts
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Jacksonville's Middle Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Florida so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Florida education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Florida. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Jacksonville
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Jacksonville's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Jacksonville
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Jacksonville's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Florida, with 26 schools spanning 4 school districts, plus 2 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best middle school in Jacksonville, Florida?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development S is the top-rated middle school in Jacksonville with a composite score of 7.9/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many middle schools are in Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville has 26 middle schools, including 2 charter schools. Of these, 25 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Jacksonville?
The average composite score for Jacksonville middle schools is 5.0/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Florida).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Florida, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Florida, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Jacksonville middle school rankings?
Yes. Jacksonville has 2 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.